Here are some exercises to help you figure out your dream job. Some people know what they want to do with their lives early on, but not everyone has that clarity. A lot of folks in the U.S. aren’t happy with their jobs, according to a recent Gallup report. If you’re one of them, this article can guide you. Whether you’re 25 or 55, it’s never too late to find a job that truly means something to you. Check out these exercises to help you discover a fulfilling career.
Step 1: Review Your Career History
Begin by taking a piece of paper, opening a Word document, or using Google Docs. Create three columns. In the first column, write down every job you’ve ever had, whether it was a paid job, unpaid experience, full-time, part-time, temporary work, internships, or volunteer positions.
In the second column, detail what you genuinely enjoyed about each job. Be specific – consider aspects like the work atmosphere, the nature of the tasks, the company’s culture, the industry, your pay, your supervisor, your co-workers, and more.
In the third column, note what you didn’t like about each job. What aspects were frustrating, disheartening, or limiting? Again, provide specific details.
After you’ve completed all three columns, step back and review what you’ve written. Look for common themes or insights that can help you identify the types of work and work environments that align with your preferences.
Step 2: Embrace the Fantasy of Nine Lives
This exercise was originally inspired by Karen James Chopra, a career counselor and the owner of Chopra Careers. The concept here is straightforward:
• Imagine you have nine lives, and in each of those lives, you must work.
• Assume you won’t win the lottery, marry into wealth, or inherit a fortune.
• Believe that you possess all the necessary skills and education to perform any job.
• Trust that you’ll earn enough money in each life to be content.
• Consider every job as equally prestigious.
Now, what would you choose for these nine careers? The purpose of this exercise is to eliminate the “But…” statements that often hold us back and allow you to select professions that genuinely intrigue you.
For example:
• “I’d love to be a doctor, but I can’t afford medical school at this point in my life.”
• “I want to work as a ski patroller, but the pay won’t support my family’s lifestyle.”
• “My dream is to become a country singer, but I don’t think I have the natural talent needed for success.”
Let go of the “buts” and note down the nine jobs that truly attract you, no matter how unrealistic they may seem. After creating your list, take a moment to examine it.
While some of these careers may not be immediately achievable, they can reveal crucial themes, such as a passion for art, a desire for independence, or a strong sense of altruism, that can guide you towards your new career path. Remember, the jobs that didn’t make the list can be as revealing as the ones that did.
Step 3: Craft Your Ideal Job Listing
Imagine you have the power to create your dream job. What would it entail? Write your perfect job description as if you were the one posting it. List the responsibilities you’d want in this role and the skills you’d put to use to excel.
For some, it might be a fusion of past positions or a combination of their current job and a beloved hobby. Don’t forget to outline the company where this dream job would exist. Think about the corporate culture, industry, organization size, and location. Be as specific as possible.
You can also explore job listings on online job boards for inspiration. As you go through these listings, copy parts of the job descriptions that catch your eye and compile them in a Word document. Use all these pieces to construct your vision of the perfect job.
Step 4: Highlight Your Greatest Achievements
Reflect on the proudest moments in your life, spanning your college years, professional experiences, volunteer work, and extracurricular activities. Then, jot down the top five accomplishments that brought you the most satisfaction and pride.
Once you’ve listed these achievements, delve deeper by asking yourself the following questions:
• Why were these accomplishments so significant to you? What aspects did you enjoy the most?
• What was your role in these successes? Were you assigned to a project, or did you take the initiative yourself?
• What motivated you to excel? (e.g., recognition, compensation, career advancement, making a positive impact)
• What was the work environment like? Was it dynamic and fast-paced or more methodical and controlled?
• What was the main focus of the projects? (e.g., arts, program development, social impact)
• Which core values guided your efforts during these projects? (e.g., collaboration, empowerment, accountability, innovation, efficiency, diversity, service excellence)
This exercise helps you identify your core skills, values, and preferred work environment, which you can use to brainstorm potential career paths and job objectives.
Step 5: Identify Your Core Abilities and Gifts
When reflecting on your skills and talents, don’t limit yourself to your job title or industry. Look beyond the specific tasks you can perform, such as balancing accounts or answering phones, and uncover your fundamental capabilities.
Are you exceptionally skilled at defusing tense situations with upset customers, consistently finding solutions that benefit everyone? Can you piece together small details to create a compelling narrative that uncovers patterns? Do you naturally motivate your team, even when they’re feeling discouraged and weary?
Sometimes, we struggle to recognize our own talents and strengths. If you find it challenging to identify your superpowers, seek the perspective of trusted individuals who can tell you what they believe you excel at.